Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered:
Arrive Bangalore – Hassan – Mysore – Vythiri – Cochin – Munnar – Periyar – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Cochin Departure
Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Bangalore – Hassan
Morning sightseeing in Bangalore.
Bangalore City has a number of tourist places. Apart from the numerous gardens, it also has some historical sites and other places of interest. The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, built in 1954, is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles.
Afternoon drive to Hassan.
Overnight in Hassan.
Day 03: Hassan – Mysore
Morning excursion to Halebidu and Belur temples.
Halebidu: Construction of the Hoyasleswara Temple at Halebid began around 1121. Despite more that 80 years of labour, it was never completed. Neverthless, it is easily the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. Every centimetre of the outside walls and much of the interior is covered with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals and birds, and frienzes depicting the life of the Hoysala rules.
Belur: The Channekeshava Temple at Belur is the only one at the three major Hoysala sites still in use. Begun in 1116 to commemorate the Hoysala’s victory over the Cholas at Talakad, it was worked on for over a century. Its exterior is not, in the lower friezes, as extensively sculptured as the other Hoysala temples, but the work higher up on the walls is unsurpassed in details and artistry.
Afternoon drive to Mysore, en route visit Sravanabelagola. After visit continue drive to Mysore.
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 04: Mysore ( Excursion to Somnathpur )
Morning excursion to Somnathpur: Situated in the unobtrusive village of Somnathpur, 35 km from Mysore, the exquisitely carved, star-shaped temple with triple towers is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture. The friezes on its outer walls with their intricately carved rows of caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, birds and beasts of mythology, will leave you spellbound.
After visit return drive back to Mysore. Later visit Mysore Palace. . The Mysore Palace, built in Indo – Saracenic style is one of the largest and most brilliant palaces in India. It’s a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and colours. There are beautiful carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, as well as exquisite paintings.
Afternoon visit Chamundi Hill. Halfway up the Chamundi Hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith statue. It was carved out of solid rock and is one of the largest in India. Hordes of pilgrims come here throughout the year. Right on top, is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple. The temple provides atypical festive atmosphere without overwhelming religious overtures.
Also visit Srirangapatnam. Srigangapatnam which lies within the portals of the Dariya Daulat. (Splendour of sea) once his summer place and later appropriated by Arthur Wellesley. Constructed mainly in wood, the structure rests on a vast plinth. The walls and ceilings are elaborately painted. The murals on the outer walls depict scenes from Tipu’s wars while the interior walls are ornately painted with abstract designs and floral motifs.
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 05: Mysore – Vythiri
Following breakfast drive to Vythiri, on arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Vythiri: Situated at an altitude of about 3750-4500 ft above sea level it spreads over an area of about 150 sq km, eco-friendly and designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style. Vythiri is world famous for its evergreen rain forests and plantations of coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper. It is known for its comfortable, refreshing and pollution free environment.
Afternoon free to enjoy the serenity of nature.
Overnight in Vythiri.
Day 06: Vythiri – Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin, on arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin including Mattancherry, Synagogue and St Francis church.
Cochin: With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace is a fascinating fort with elegant buildings and interesting collections from the Royal traditions of the region. The unique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained and have their own Synagogue.
Evening witness traditional dance form of Kerala – Kathakali Dance. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Cochin – Munnar
Following breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit Tea Plantation.
Munnar is surrounded by 30 tea gardens, the atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. Tea estates are situated mostly on the inner slopes of an elevated basin-like plateau. Estate elevations vary from about 1220 m to over 1830 m. some of the tea plantations, at an elevation of over 2135-m, are among the highest in the world.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Munnar – Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar, on arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon enjoy boat ride on Periyar national park.
Periyar : Periyar and its cool, misty Cardamom Hills – a magnificently scenic region 4000 feet and higher, with forests and valleys, roaring streams and pristine jungles.
Afternoon visit Spice plantation in Periyar with boat ride on Periyar Lake. Scout for statuesque sambar deer and giant wild oxen, or guar, browsing in the marshes. Search the green wooded shores for wild boars, monkeys, and an array of birdlife. Spend the night in splendid isolation at your comfortable hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Periyar – Alleppey
Morning visit spice plantation in Periyar. Later drive to Alleppey, on arrival board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is “Anjali”. The Houseboat provides all comforts – Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights.
Overnight on housebaot.
Day 10: Alleppey – Kumarakom
Following leisurely breakfast disembark at your hotel jetty in Kumarakom and check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure to enjoy the serenity of Kerala backwaters. To experience Kerala’s famous backwaters that comprise of vast lakes and a system of narrow canals and waterways linking them to one another. Not so long ago, these waterways served as the backbone of Kerala’s transportation. Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Kumarakom – Cochin
Enjoy a leisurely morning. Afternoon drive to Cochin airport for your onward international flight with sweet memories…